Our purpose
Business creates opportunities for people to work together, understand different perspectives and build shared interests. UECN connects businesses across China and the UAE to encourage cooperation, strengthen mutual understanding and contribute to peace.
Discover Our MissionThe ninth China International Import Expo in Shanghai featured advanced industrial technologies across five major sectors. UAE-based AI firm Sindan presented aerospace components and a planetary lunar rover developed with Khalifa University. The exhibition underscored international research cooperation and advanced manufacturing applications.
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has overhauled the application process for 13 work permit types under the Zero Bureaucracy programme. The ministry eliminated mandatory supporting document submissions and reduced required data fields by 75 to 97 percent. A public consultation on permit operations is open until July 30.
French energy major TotalEnergies has entered into two parallel LNG agreements connecting UAE gas production to Chinese downstream demand. Under a five-year contract, ADNOC Gas will deliver up to 1.6 million tonnes of LNG annually starting in 2026. TotalEnergies also signed a 15-year heads of agreement with Jiangsu Guoxin Group to supply 900,000 tonnes per year starting in 2028.
Writing for CGTN's Decision Makers column, UAE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Balalaa highlighted expanding water diplomacy and technical collaboration between the UAE and China. The bilateral partnership encompasses major industrial infrastructure projects like the PowerChina-built Taweelah desalination facility as well as joint scientific research initiatives. The remarks come as Abu Dhabi prepares to host the 2026 UN Water Conference in December.
The International Energy Agency projects the UAE will become the world's leading per-capita solar electricity producer by 2030. Generation in the UAE is expected to exceed 4,000 kilowatt-hours per person by 2031. China, Oman, and Qatar are also projected to rank among the global top ten.
Understand the policies, laws and regulations shaping business across China and the UAE.
Business registration · Investment · Taxation · Customs · Trade · Financial regulation · Employment · Visas · Free-zone policies
The UAE has outlined eight key guidelines under the new executive regulations of the federal traffic law scheduled to come into effect on January 1, 2027. Key measures include a nine-hour driving limit in a 24-hour period, two-year licensing for eligible light vehicles, and dedicated safety rules for delivery drivers and personal mobility devices.
The UAE Federal Tax Authority has issued rules permitting VAT-registered businesses to recover input tax on six employee expense categories. Eligible areas include employee transport, restricted meals, work accommodation, temporary lodging, telecom services, and business parking. Qualification requires a formal contractual obligation or documented policy and excludes cash allowance alternatives.
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation released its Labour Market Observatory Report alongside legal guidance governing private-sector disciplinary penalties. The data reveals that the UAE workforce expanded by 12.4% in 2025 and 2.3% in Q3 2026, with Emirati women comprising 71.6% of skilled nationals in private firms. MOHRE clarified that employer disciplinary sanctions must strictly account for employee intent, severity of violation, and operational impact.
Follow the trade, investment and partnerships bringing China and the UAE closer together.
The 1.5-gigawatt Abu Dhabi PV3 Al Ajban solar power project has entered its final construction phase and is nearing commercial grid connection. Engineered and built in partnership with Power Construction Corporation of China and its subsidiary Huadong Engineering, the site covers 20 square kilometers. Once operational, the facility is scheduled to generate 4.4 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually.
Abu Dhabi's real estate transactions reached Dh171.26 billion in the first nine months of 2026, marking a 76 percent year-on-year increase according to the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre. Foreign direct investment from non-resident individuals doubled to Dh17.22 billion, with Chinese investors ranking among the leading contributors alongside buyers from the UK, Russia, the US, France, and Germany.
An Iranian parliamentary official confirmed that commercial vessels from China, India, Iraq, and Qatar have received exemptions from transit restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. The policy allows Chinese cargo ships and energy tankers to transit the Gulf route without tolls or inspections. Analysts noted the decision helps protect Gulf crude oil exports to China.
China Classification Society concluded its participation at ADIPEC 2026 in Abu Dhabi. The agency held technical consultations with Middle Eastern executives across energy, shipping, and shipbuilding sectors. Discussions focused on offshore installations, alternative-fuel transport vessels, and standards alignment across the Gulf.
Explore the industries creating new opportunities for cooperation across both markets.
Consumer Markets & Tourism
Car rental operators across the UAE will be required to install approved tracking devices on all hire vehicles starting January 1, 2027. The requirement is established under Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, which sets implementing regulations for Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024. Companies must also obtain an annual operating permit and register with an electronic tracking system overseen by the Ministry of Interior.
Finance & Investment
The China Securities Regulatory Commission and Omani authorities have signed an MOU to enhance bilateral regulatory cooperation in securities and futures. The pact creates mechanisms for cross-border regulatory information exchange and enforcement cooperation. Signed in Beijing, the agreement brings the CSRC's bilateral regulatory MOUs to 68 jurisdictions.
Finance & Investment
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) has consolidated more than 45 value-added services for its community of over 50,000 registered companies. The offerings cover business bank account opening assistance, tax compliance, bookkeeping, human resources, and industrial workforce management. RAKEZ reported a 98 percent success rate for its bank account opening assistance.
Logistics & Trade
The UAE has issued federal executive regulations prohibiting delivery riders from carrying backpacks and transporting passengers starting January 1, 2027. Promulgated under Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026, the decree imposes eight core statutory obligations on delivery operators and commercial riders. Operators must implement approved vehicle loading gear and electronic tracking systems.
Stay informed about official travel advisories, entry restrictions and transport disruptions across the Middle East.
Transit restriction
Strait of Hormuz
Airspace restriction / airport disruption
Istanbul Airport (IST), Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)
Official travel advisory
Bahrain
Flight cancellation / route change
Damascus International Airport
Alerts are based on official sources and show when they were last verified. Always follow the guidance of the official authorities. The absence of an alert does not mean that a destination is safe.
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